I haven't been to Dundalk in over two years but last Friday it was time to go back to Ireland's one and only All-Weather track. While there is the occasional talk about the possibility of a second track of this nature, in reality it has never capitalized yet, which means big fields are no exception but rather normality on a race day at Dundalk. The main reason for this is the Irish climate, though. It's the rain who makes life difficult for trainers and horses as the going at the turf tracks can change pretty much every minute. This summer wasn't as bad in all fairness, but last summer it was wet all year long. And here comes the strengths of Dundalk's All-Weather surface into play. The polytrack provides reliable conditions 365 days a year. That's why Irish trainers embrace the track and send out their best horses. For example Aiden O'Brien's Declaration Of War, this years Juddmonte International winner, won a Group 3 here last season. While the quality drops during the winter time, Dundalk offers top class racing in Spring, Summer and Autumn with a wide range of Listed races, ultra competitive class 1 Handicaps and even Group racing as well as good prize money. That is the big difference to All-Weather racing across the Irish Sea over in the UK where largely poor animals contest for poor prize-money at Wolverhampton & Co. - a stark contrast to Dundalk.
Dundalk Stadium is a completely new track since being rebuilt in 2007 and therefore offers top class facilities for horses and jockeys but also for everyone who comes racing. It's modern but still cosy, with a Restaurant overlooking the track as well as a bar and betting lounge. You never have to walk long to watch horses at the parade ring, place a bet or get a pint. Viewing is good from the stand, even though it can be a bit tricky if the place is packed. Nonetheless there isn't much negative to say about Dundalk and it certainly is worth the €15 entrance.
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| Aussie Valentine - winner of the opener on Friday |
Let's take a look on what happened at the racetrack last Friday: The highlight was clearly the Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 11 furlongs. The Aiden O'Brien trained Afonso De Sousa went off the 5/4 favouite after winning a Conditions race in good style the week before, overcoming an absence of more than a year. But it was the 2011 Dewhurst Stakes hero Parish Hall who was too strong in the end, securing his first Group victory since landing the big 2yo Group 1 at Newmarket more than two years ago. O'Brien had a winner earlier on the card, though, as the talented Cristoforo Colombo run out a fine success in the Conditions race. He beat a good field and will now step up to Group company again. The two maiden races saw nice performances from their respective winners. Aussie Valentine looks a gelding of decent quality running out a decisive victory. He was very unlucky at the Curragh a couple of weeks ago when he really caught the eye and it was no surprise to see him going so well with a clear run this time. There should be more to come from him when he goes handicapping next. The second maiden looked a very hot contest beforehand and it was a bit of a surprise when the Ger Lyons trained Miss Mousey got up, beating the well backed Dermot Weld filly Backdrop in second. The daughter of Camacho improved nicely for the step up in trip and this form should work out well in the future. R.P. Downey showed that he can be an apprentice with a future in the game after winning the Apprentice Handicap over 1 mile in a driving finish. Still a 7lb claimer but Downey could be interesting to follow as he looks well worth his claim. Another performances to note: Cardinal Palace won the class 1 Handicap over 11f. The lightly raced gelding looks sure to be competitive in pattern company when stepping up in class.
I've put together a lovely photo gallery from Friday's racing at Dundalk:
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